Matboard for artwork having luminescent designs

ABSTRACT

A matboard with a plurality of luminescent designs is disclosed. The luminescent designs may be in any shape and design and glow in the dark. The matboard may be utilized as a background or perimeter board for any type of artwork or mirror suitable for display. The luminescent designs may provide a unique appearance enhancing the aesthetic beauty of the artwork.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Technical Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention relates to artwork, and more particularly, to amatboard having a plurality of luminescent designs for use with artwork.

[0003] 2. Description of Related Art

[0004] Picture frames have been in use for centuries to accentuate theaesthetic beauty of a displayed picture. The frame surrounds the borderof the picture. The picture may be a photograph, artistic rendering ofsome kind, or any representation of any artwork. The frame may be usedfor enhancing the beauty of the picture or assisting in affixing thepicture to a wall or positioning upon a horizontal surface. Withinrecent years, matboards have also been utilized in the picture framingindustry. The matboard, sometimes know as a mat, matting, mount or matboard, is also utilized to enhance the beauty of the picture and itsframe.

[0005] Typically, a matboard includes a single layer or multiple layersof cotton or paper laminated together to form a desired board thickness.Conventionally, the thickness of the matboard is approximately 0.060inches. The middle layers of the matboard are known as cores. Thesurfaces and cores are often colored through various processes. Forexample, a surface paper is coated or laminated with a color-impregnatedcoating to the top of the matboard. Printing colors or designs on thesurface of the core without laminating a surface layer is often used. Instill another example, multiple layers of colored paper or cotton arelaminated together to form a colored core.

[0006] Typically, a hole in a sheet of matboard is cut to form asurrounding border of color around a piece of artwork, photograph, etc.Matboards often are used as components to enhance artwork or photographin other ways, such as background mounting or decorative cutouts.

[0007] Although the use of matboards enhances the aesthetics of apicture and its frame, little use of designs have been applied to thematboards. Additionally, the use of designs having luminescentproperties is unknown. Luminescent materials are often referred to as“glow in the dark” material, which illuminate in the dark.

[0008] Although there are no known prior art teachings of a device suchas that disclosed herein, prior art references that discuss subjectmatter that bears some relation to matters discussed herein are U.S.Pat. No. 4,310,976 to Wilten (Wilten), U.S. Pat. No. 5,149,568 to Beck(Beck), U.S. Pat. No. 5,197,213 to Borden (Borden), and U.S. Pat. No.5,251,391 to Lan (Lan).

[0009] Wilten discloses a picture display device having a pair oftransparent panes interconnected in an aligned and overlying relationfor mounting variously sized pictures between the panels without aseparate mat. However, Wilten does not teach or suggest the use of glowin the dark designs on the matboard or the frame.

[0010] Beck discloses a glow in the dark artwork which includes aluminescent layer formed of a luminescent material such as fluorescentor phosphorescent paint. The luminescent layer is secured so that itsluminescent surface is adjacent to an image means. The image meansprovides an image formed on its surface via a plurality of image definedopaque and translucent areas. Opaque areas of the image means preventphotons emitted from the excited atoms of the luminescent material frompassing through the opaque areas of the image means as light.Translucent areas of the image means allow photons emitted from theexcited atoms of the luminescent material to pass through thetranslucent areas of the image means as light. In this way, a glow inthe dark image may be produced. However, Beck does not teach or suggestutilizing the glow in the dark artwork on the matboard or frame.

[0011] Borden discloses a decorative framing border or enclosure devicehaving transparent polymer or copolymer outer framing members positionedalong the peripheral edges of a base framing member. The border orenclosure device is constructed as to permit the changing of a pictureor mat which surrounds the picture without simultaneously affecting theappearance-altering material disposed within the outer framer members.However, Borden does not teach or suggest utilizing glow in the darkdesigns on a matboard or frame.

[0012] Lan discloses an illuminating photo frame having a transparentframe body with elongated lines and cross lines respectively having aback side created with a plurality of prisms, a recess arranged at theback side of the naturally met elongated and cross lines in crossopposition to the other for installing a small bulb, and aphoto-resistance in control of an electricity supply to small bulbs. Atnight, the pattern of the frame is visible from reflected light emittedautomatically at night when the small light bulbs are energized.However, Lan does not teach or suggest a frame utilizing glow in thedark material to create designs on the frame or its matboard.

[0013] Review of the foregoing references reveals no disclosure orsuggestion of a matboard or frame which incorporates designs havingluminescent designs. It is an object of the present invention to providesuch an apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] In one aspect, the present invention is a matboard for artworkhaving a luminescent design. The matboard includes an artwork utilizedas a display and a matboard having a centralized opening. The opening issized and shaped to serve as a perimeter border around the artwork. Thematboard has at least one luminescent design which glows in darkness.

[0015] In another aspect, the present invention is a framed artworkhaving a luminescent design. The framed artwork includes an artworkutilized as a display and a transparent layer overlaying the artwork.The transparent layer has at least one luminescent design located on thetransparent layer. In addition, the framed artwork includes a framepositioned about the picture and matboard. The luminescent design glowsin darkness.

[0016] In still another aspect, the present invention is a method ofdisplaying luminescent designs on a framed artwork. The method begins byselecting an artwork for display. Next, a luminescent design is appliedto a matboard. The matboard has an opening sized and shaped toaccommodate the artwork. The matboard is then positioned over theartwork and a frame is positioned around the artwork and matboard. Alight is then emitted in darkness by the luminescent design.

[0017] In another aspect, the present invention is a framed artworkhaving a luminescent design. The framed artwork includes an artworkbeing utilized as a display and a matboard having a centralized openingsized and shaped to serve as a perimeter border around the artwork. Inaddition, the framed artwork includes a frame positioned about theartwork and matboard. The frame has at least one luminescent designwhich glows in darkness.

[0018] In another aspect, the present invention is a matboard having aluminescent design. The matboard includes at least one luminescentdesign which glows in the darkness. The matboard may be utilized as abackground or perimeter border for a displayed artwork.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The invention will be better understood and its numerous objectsand advantages will become more apparent to those skilled in the art byreference to the following drawings, in conjunction with theaccompanying specification, in which:

[0020]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a framed picture illustrating itscomponents separated from each other in the preferred embodiment of thepresent invention;

[0021]FIG. 2 is a side view of the framed picture of FIG. 1; and

[0022]FIG. 3 is a flow chart outlining the steps for displaying apicture frame having a plurality of luminescent designs according to theteachings of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0023] A matboard having a plurality of luminescent designs isdisclosed. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a framed picture 10illustrating its components separated from each other in the preferredembodiment of the present invention. The framed picture includes apicture 12, a matboard 14, a transparent layer 16, and a frame 18.

[0024] The picture 12 may be any design, photograph, artwork, mirror, orartistic rendering suitable for display. The matboard includes anopening 20 sized and shaped to serve a perimeter border for the picture.Upon the matboard is located one or more luminescent designs 22. Thetransparent layer 16 may be constructed of any material, such as glassor plastic. In alternate embodiments, the framed picture 10 may notinclude the transparent layer. The frame is positioned upon the matboard 14 and is sized and shaped to provided a perimeter border for thepicture 12.

[0025]FIG. 1 illustrates the separated components of the framed picture10. Typically, the various layers are overlaid in the order illustratedto create the single framed picture 10. The framed picture is commonlyaffixed to a wall or may include a propping device to prop the picturein an upright position upon a horizontal surface.

[0026]FIG. 2 is a side view of the framed picture 10 of FIG. 1. Theframed picture may also optionally include a mount board 30 and abackboard 32. The mount board and backboard are preferably used asbacking for the picture 12.

[0027] The use of luminescent material in conjunction with a matboard 14provides an enhancement to the artwork or picture. The luminescentdesigns 22 may be used in ready-made or custom picture frames. Theresult of utilizing these designs is a picture frame matboard that glowsin the dark. Additionally, the luminescent material manifested asdesigns 22 may be applied to a matboard which does not include anydisplayed artwork. For example, the matboard may be sold in sheets forvarious uses by the consumer which do not include a specific picture orartwork. The matboard may be sold in precut specified sections or fullsheets having one or more luminescent designs 22. The luminescentdesigns may be applied to the matboard in a variety of different ways.For example, the luminescent material may be printed, painting withluminescent material, or by impregnating the luminescent material intothe composition of the matboard or any of its layers. In addition, aplurality of appliques or stickers may be applied to the matboard. Thedesigns may be in any size and shape. In alternate embodiments of thepresent invention, the luminescent designs may be applied directly tothe transparent layer 16 or the frame 18. It should be understood thatany method may be employed which enables luminescent designs 22 to beapplied to the matboard.

[0028] Any luminescent material may be utilized for the luminescentdesigns 22. One common category of luminescent materials is chemicalluminescent products. These luminescent materials are seen in productssuch as “glowsticks” or “glow necklaces.” With chemical luminescentmaterials, a chemical reaction takes place where one or more chemicalreacts with another chemical. The reaction results in the electrons ofthe newly combined chemical composition being excited and emitting alight. Another category is photo luminescent products. These productshave chemicals in them with electrons that get excited by light waves.No chemical reaction occurs. Rather, when removed from a light sourcenear the material, the electrons fall back into their normal orbit andemit light in the process, resulting in a glow of the material.Typically, these products (zinc sulfide) glow for approximately 10 to 20minutes after the light source is removed. Another material which may beused is strontium aluminate, which may glow for up to forty hours.However, any material having luminescent qualities may be utilized.

[0029]FIG. 3 is a flow chart outlining the steps for displayingluminescent designs on a framed picture according to the teachings ofthe present invention. With reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the steps ofthe method will now be explained. The method begins with step 60 where apicture is selected for applying the luminescent designs. Next, in step62 at least one luminescent design is applied to a matboard. Thematboard may be any material which provides a border or background forthe picture 12. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention,the matboard is a material having a center section removed. The opening20 created in the removal of the center section is sized and shaped toallow the picture to fit within the opening. Preferably, the matboardserves as a border around the picture.

[0030] The luminescent designs may be applied to the matboard in severaldifferent ways. For example, the luminescent material utilized increating the designs may be applied by printing, painting withluminescent material, impregnating the luminescent material into thecomposition of the matboard or any of its layers. In addition, aplurality of appliques or stickers may be applied to the matboard. Thedesigns may be in any size and shape. In alternate embodiments of thepresent invention, the luminescent designs may be directly applied tothe transparent layer 16 or the frame 18. The method moves to step 64where the matboard is overlaid upon the picture 12. Next, in step 66,the transparent layer 16 is optionally overlaid upon the picture and thematboard. In step 68, the frame is positioned around the picture,matboard and transparent layer. In step 70, the luminescent designs emitlight visible in darkness.

[0031] In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the matboardwith its applied luminescent designs 22 may be utilized without apicture or artwork. The matboard may be purchased by a consumer in oneor more sheets for use by the consumer. The consumer may utilize thematboard without creating an opening to accommodate a picture.

[0032] The present invention provides many benefits. The luminescentdesigns enhance the beauty of the framed picture 10. The luminescentdesigns may be shaped and sized in various configurations to provide aunique appearance to the framed picture. Additionally, the presentinvention is especially useful for children frightened of the dark. Withlight removed from the area around the framed picture, the luminescentdesigns are seen for a period of time, which provides interest, and insome instances, a sense of security to the child.

[0033] It is thus believed that the operation and construction of thepresent invention will be apparent from the foregoing description. Whilethe apparatus and method shown and described has been characterized asbeing preferred, it will be readily apparent that various changes andmodifications could be made therein without departing from the scope ofthe invention as defined in the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A matboard for artwork having a luminescentdesign, said matboard comprising: an artwork utilized as a display; anda matboard having a centralized opening, the opening sized and shaped toserve as a perimeter border around said artwork, said matboard having atleast one luminescent design; whereby the luminescent design glows indarkness.
 2. The matboard for artwork having a luminescent design ofclaim 1 wherein the luminescent design is an applique applied to saidmatboard.
 3. The matboard for artwork having a luminescent design ofclaim 1 wherein the luminescent design is applied by coating saidmatboard with a luminescent paint.
 4. The matboard for artwork having aluminescent design of claim 1 wherein the luminescent design is appliedto said matboard by printing a luminescent design onto said matboard. 5.The matboard for artwork having a luminescent design of claim 1 whereina luminescent material is impregnated into a composition of the matboardto provide a luminescent design.
 6. The matboard for artwork having aluminescent design of claim 1 further comprising a transparent layerpositioned over said artwork and said matboard.
 7. The matboard forartwork having a luminescent design of claim 1 further comprising aframe positioned around the picture and matboard.
 8. The matboard forartwork having a luminescent design of claim 7 wherein said frameincludes at least one luminescent design which glows in the dark.
 9. Thematboard for artwork having a luminescent design of claim 1 wherein theartwork is a mirror.
 10. A framed artwork having a luminescent design,said framed artwork comprising: an artwork utilized as a display; atransparent layer overlaying said artwork, said transparent layer havingat least one luminescent design positioned on said transparent layer;and a frame positioned about the artwork and matboard; whereby theluminescent design glows in darkness.
 11. The framed artwork having aluminescent design of claim 10 further comprising a matboard having acentralized opening, the opening sized and shaped to serve as aperimeter border around said artwork, said matboard having a pluralityof luminescent designs, each luminescent design glowing in darkness. 12.A method of displaying luminescent designs on a framed artwork, saidmethod comprising the steps of: selecting an artwork for display;applying a luminescent design to a matboard, the matboard having anopening sized and shaped to accommodate the artwork; positioning thematboard over the artwork; positioning a frame around the artwork andmatboard; and emitting a light in darkness by the luminescent design.13. The method of displaying luminescent designs of claim 12 furthercomprising, after the step of positioning the matboard over the artwork,the step of positioning a transparent layer over the artwork andmatboard.
 14. The method of displaying luminescent designs of claim 12wherein the step of applying a luminescent design to a matboard includesapplying an applique to the matboard, the applique being constructed ofa luminescent material.
 15. The method of displaying luminescent designsof claim 12 wherein the step of applying a luminescent design to amatboard includes coating the matboard with a luminescent paint.
 16. Themethod of displaying luminescent designs of claim 12 wherein the step ofapplying a luminescent design to a matboard includes printing aluminescent design onto the matboard.
 17. The method of displayingluminescent designs of claim 12 wherein the step of applying aluminescent design to a matboard includes impregnating a luminescentmaterial into a composition of the matboard.
 18. A framed artwork havinga luminescent design, said framed artwork comprising: an artworkutilized as a display; a matboard having a centralized opening, theopening sized and shaped to serve as a perimeter border around saidartwork; and a frame positioned about the artwork and matboard, saidframe having at least one luminescent design; whereby the luminescentdesign glows in darkness.
 19. The framed artwork having a luminescentdesign of claim 18 further comprising a transparent layer positionedover said artwork.
 20. A matboard having a luminescent design, saidmatboard comprising: a matboard having at least one luminescent design;whereby the luminescent design glows in darkness.
 21. The matboardhaving a luminescent design of claim 20 wherein the matboard is utilizedas a background for an artwork.
 22. The matboard having a luminescentdesign of claim 20 wherein the matboard is utilized as a perimeter boardfor an artwork.